SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Cisco Systems Inc. has developed a technology for high-speed, low-cost wireless Internet and phone connections.

The service is called multichannel multipoint distribution services, or MMDS. It redirects voice and data microwave signals that bounce off obstructions in large cities, the company says. Base transmission stations are expected to cost US$150,000 and will require a small cellular tower. Any business with such a setup could then offer local and long-distance phone service, as well as Internet service, to thousands of users without the use of wires.

For more information, visit www.cisco.com.

Affiliate program pays commission

NEW YORK — Whata-Domain.com has launched an Internet affiliate program designed to generate revenues of up to US$15,000 per click-through for its Internet partners.

WhataDomain.com has nearly 1,000 names for sale encompassing a wide range of topics. It also offers the capability to search by keyword or to browse through 33 general categories.

The ClickTrade program pays its Affiliate members a five per cent commission for every customer click-through from the Affiliate site to WhataDomain.com that results in a successful sale of a domain name.

Free Internet, (almost) no ads

PHOENIX, Ariz. — Private ISP iFreedom is expanding its free Internet access to Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal.

Unlike traditional free-Internet services, where the user must maintain an open window that displays a constant parade of banner ads, iFreedom's proprietary setup only displays ads a few times an hour, the company says.

For more information, visit www.iFreedom.com.